End Carriage Horse Abuse in Rome

Target: Mayor of Rome Gianni Alemanno

Goal: End the ongoing negligence of laws protecting carriage horses in Rome

Botticelle are commonly used horse-drawn carriages which allow travel around the capital of Italy. Recently, more horses have begun to endure great strain under extreme conditions such as the heat. Several incidents have occurred in which these animals have been unable to continue carrying passengers, and there have been reports of drivers beating their horses. One such incident was not halted until police intervened, and several horses have died in harness.

Many complaints have been filed as a result, particularly by the Partito Animalista Europeo (PAE). Said complaints resulted in the implementation of laws in 2011 which were intended to end mistreatment of the animals by making it mandatory that horses are given breaks. When the temperature rises above 104°F (40°C), no further passengers are allowed. Despite the attention given by lawmakers, drivers continue to ignore these laws and push their horses beyond legal limits.

It is necessary that the Mayor of Rome now give this matter the attention it deserves. The PAE has suggested the use of thermometers in all carriages, as well as the introduction of independent patrols which would enforce laws. What is required are such patrols – if patrols go either unimplemented or unheeded, then what becomes necessary is the complete abolition of botticelle carriages in Rome.

Dear Mayor Alemanno,

The horses used to draw the botticelle in your city of Rome have endured constant suffering at the hands of their drivers. This has ranged from exhaustion and beatings, to deaths in the streets. Although the Partito Animalista Europeo and members of your local government have attempted to give the matter its due attention, things have not changed. Even with the implementation of laws in 2011 which sought to excuse horses from work at high temperatures, drivers continue to abuse their animals.

It is necessary that you initiate the creation of patrols which will actively and consistently enforce the laws protecting carriage horses. If these cannot be introduced, or if the laws continue to be resisted even in the face of patrols, it is up to you as the community’s leader to ensure that cruelty towards the city’s horses is ended by the abolition of Rome’s botticelle.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Konrad Glogowski via Fotopedia